If ever there was a town in Arizona that is wrapped in Western lore, it’s Wickenburg. And it has it all; Native Americans, U.S. Rangers, miners striking it rich, and haunted gold mines where, rumor has it, 18 people were strung up at the infamous “Hanging Tree of Wickenburg”.
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Today, nobody is swinging from tree branches. Wickenburg and the surrounding area is a quiet suburb on the outskirts of metropolitan Phoenix. Its great climate and natural beauty have drawn retirees, families and those who cherish the outdoors. Read More...
Where the Old West Lives On
With a population of around 7,000 people, Wickenburg lies on the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert in both Maricopa and Yavapai counties. The overwhelming characterization of Wickenburg is that it is a close-knit community that has retained its rural small town feel. And that’s just the way the people there like it.
Wickenburg is an old Western town with quaint “cowboy era” storefronts that feature traditional Southwestern art, jewelry and western riding wear. You can also find Apache baskets, Navajo rugs and all of the things you’d expect to find in a place which is trying to defy the march of time and retain its cultural heritage.
And like small communities across America, Wickenburg has its share of traditional small town events. It has a popular Classic Car Show every year. During the Fall, Oktoberfest is celebrated. Unique to Wickenburg, however, is its annual Cattle Drive. And close by there’s even a ghost town; a haunted one, of course.
Malls, Manicures and Modernish – Just Down the Road
There are two grocery stores and a movie theater in Wickenburg. Mexican food dominates the local cuisine. However, if you are looking for more, a quick ride to one of the neighboring towns will provide you with pretty much anything you want. You can find large malls, chain restaurants, manicurists and brand name chic boutiques.
Downtown Phoenix is just a 50-minute drive away. If you head the other way, you can be in Prescott in over an hour and change. If it's food you want, the Towne Center has a Chipotle Mexican Grill, Olive Garden, Denny’s and, of course, a Starbucks. For those who strive to be a beauty queen, you’re in luck. There is a Nail Club, Sola Salon Studio, Massage Envy, and Fantastic Sam’s Cut and Color.
Haunted Mines and Ghost Towns
Wickenburg and the area surrounding it holds claim to some very mysterious events particular to the Old West. Shortly after Arizona became a territory of the United States in 1848, a posse of Rangers first stumbled on what was later to be called Wickenburg.
These Rangers were chasing down a group of Native Americans who had fought with some miners. Shots were exchanged and little else is known of the affair other than this was the first informal survey of the Wickenburg area.
A few years later, a lucky German immigrant named Henry Wickenburg came to the area in search of gold. His previous attempts of striking it rich during the California Gold Rush went bust. However, this time he hit it big, tapping into a rich vein of gold.
Over the years the Vulture Mine of Henry’s extracted over $30 million of the shiny stuff making Henry Wickenburg rich and the namesake of the town.
As was fairly common in those days when law enforcement did not exist and desperadoes ran wild, citizens formed vigilante groups and enforced the laws themselves. This often resulted in quick trials and even quicker punishments.
Legend has it that, over the years, these vigilantes strung up 18 people, most accused of stealing gold. The tree where this supposedly happened remains today and features a large sign on it reading “Wickenburg’s…hanging tree…”.
Historians can’t agree if these hangings indeed took place. However, many claim that the ghosts of these dispatched outlaws continue to haunt the area.
In addition, some folks swear they’ve heard some weird stuff when they’ve walked around the old mine. A repeated story is of a heavily German accented voice shouts at people to “get out.”
From Prospecting to Dude Ranches
As always happens, the gold soon petered out. Today, the only thing left of the gold rush is sprinkling with abandoned mine shafts, and if you believe in hauntings, the spirits of those from a bygone era.
Over time, Wickenburg, like other places in Arizona, evolved into a stable agricultural and ranching community. In 1923, Bar FX Ranch was the first “dude ranch” in the area. Others followed and at one time Wickenburg was named the “dude ranch capital of Arizona.”
Today, Wickenburg is known as a great place to live if you want to avoid a lot of the hustle and bustle of big city life yet be close enough to it to enjoy its benefits.
Real Estate in Wickenburg
There are a lot of nice places to live in Wickenburg, including Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch.
Nevertheless, the real estate market in Wickenburg, like the rest of Arizona, is a seller’s market. That means home sellers hold all the cards. Buyers, therefore, need either a marked deck or a savvy real estate professional to even out the odds.
While not known for their poker playing prowess, the folks at Arizona Network Realty know a thing or two about Wickenburg real estate. They are just the type of real estate professionals you need on your side if you want to buy a house. They are trustworthy and really know their stuff.
Check out their website or give them a call. Don’t worry, they won’t take you to any haunted houses. Show Less...